C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Engine cleaning...

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Old Aug 20, 2003 | 08:53 AM
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Default Engine cleaning...

Seems like everytime I clean my engine (Degreaser, then soap, then rinse) I fry my TPS. Even when I have been careful to avoid it with the water.

How do you guys keep your engines looking so great? Should I bag the TPS? What other components need to be covered up?

Thanks
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Old Aug 20, 2003 | 08:57 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (redvette1986)

I have an 88. Got this tip on the forum, absolutely brilliant -

warm up engine. spray with armorall foaming tyre spray close hood. wait 20 m inutes
BINGO

that's it - far too easy for you to believe but it works. I thanked Jackdaroofer for the tip and he reckons it didn't come from him.

I'm 3 months into that spraying and I did it once again to enter a car show . Everything looks great, have now sprayed underside of hood, suspension, the dog, my wife.....only kidding about the last two.

S'nut
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Old Aug 20, 2003 | 11:43 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (Stingraynut)

No wiping? No rinsing? No electrical problems?
This sounds too easy!! :hurray:
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Old Aug 20, 2003 | 12:24 PM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (redvette1986)

Does everything just drip down under the car?
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Old Aug 20, 2003 | 05:54 PM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (PreferEuroRacing)

I did my best to clean the engine with degreaser and brushes first. I was very unhappy with the result - the black plastic parts looked faded and seemed to have a transparent skin that was peeling off in places - it looked bad.



A week later I heard about the Armorall spray, a few people here said it worked so I did a small test area. It made the plastic go black and shiny, looked great so I did everywhere. I'm on my second tin now ! All the underside of ,the hood, wheel arches, suspension, firewall brake booster heater box etc etc.



The advice I got was to do it on a warm engine, close the hood and wait 20 minutes. It seems to last really well - I did it about 3 months ago.

I overdid the underside of hood and got runs, I got carried away, these disappeared in a week, have we discovered a miracle product ?

Oh and it makes the tyres look great and again lasts for a long time. Be careful not ot spray it on the serpentine belt or brake discs as it is slippery stuff.

S'nut
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Old Aug 20, 2003 | 05:58 PM
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Default

Does the engine bay take on that normal Armorall slime feel to it?
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Old Aug 20, 2003 | 06:09 PM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

:lurk:
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Old Aug 20, 2003 | 06:10 PM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

Hi Scorp,

well...yes and no.

I use too much of the stuff, so yes. In places where I haven't gone overboard it seems to dry off .

Basically I would say that slime isn't a problem, I don't notice it. I don't use Armorall in the cabin for that reason. The tyres aren't sticky.


S'nut
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 04:16 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (Stingraynut)

what is this armoral foam
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 05:12 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (jtfrog)

I bet Eagle One Tire Gel would have the same effect...
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 07:17 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (Stingraynut)

I am still trying to find out where all the "schmeng" goes...
This sounds good if your engine is basically clean, but what does this stuff do to chunks of grease and caked on crud?

Wouldn't this be like foaming up mud caked tires?
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 09:56 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (Stingraynut)

I love it! I'm gonna try it...BUT...it didn't seem to do a very good job on the valve covers. Mine look like yours...what works there? :seeya
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 09:59 AM
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Default Re: (Stingraynut)

Basically I would say that slime isn't a problem, I don't notice it. I don't use Armorall in the cabin for that reason. The tyres aren't sticky.
Alright great. I might try this. :)
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 10:16 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (MtlSphere)

I love it! I'm gonna try it...BUT...it didn't seem to do a very good job on the valve covers. Mine look like yours...what works there? :seeya
repainting....
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 10:18 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (MtlSphere)

I love it! I'm gonna try it...BUT...it didn't seem to do a very good job on the valve covers. Mine look like yours...what works there?
Repaint. The covers tarnish/oxidize over time and get that brown color. If I were you I would just clean them good with some simple green, scuff them up with some sandpaper and paint right over the nasty paint. Otherwise it takes a looong time to get the super thick layers of paint and primer off of them only to expose the horrible casting pits and cracks that you have to then try to "re-fill" with paint/primer.
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 02:01 PM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (redvette1986)

I've been hosing off my engine when I wash the car since I've owned it and I've maybe soaked the distributor once to the point where it wouldn't start. Like the rest of the car, I blow it dry with a leaf blower. I take care of any oil stains with non flammable electrical cleaner making sure the label indicates that it's safe for plastic. If you're frying the tps, water is obviously getting into it, my guess would be around the connector so you might want to try a new seal. Should be able to pick one up at Poop Boys or NAPA. You may have to buy the whole connector though just to get the seal.
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 02:08 PM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (scorp508)

Jtfrog says –“what is this armoral foam” – It’s foam and comes from Armorall

TIMSPEED –“I bet Eagle One Tire Gel would have the same effect...” – I reckon you’re right, I am amazed at Eagle One Car Wash, there’s something special in it, the polished look afterwards is incredible.

Redvette1986 is –“ still trying to find out where all the "schmeng" goes” – I don’t think the foam will be much good unless everything is almost ‘schmeng – free” - although I sprayed the wheel arches without scrubbing first and they look good .

The valve covers are the worst looking thing in my engine bay. I like to do jobs properly but I’m reluctant to take the covers off – especially the RH one. I’m thinking of doing a ‘temporary’ job with the covers in place – anything will look better. Any clues on a good heat resistant paint ? I don’t think Armorall make one.

S’nut
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Old Aug 21, 2003 | 02:17 PM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (Stingraynut)

You can purchase the valve cover paint from MA Direct. One can goes a long way. I also wonder where the grime goes??
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Old Aug 23, 2003 | 08:49 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (redvette1986)

Ok, yesterday I sprayed down the engine with varsol (sprayed using my compressor and a sprayer attachment)...then I air dried it (compressor) then I tried the armourall foam trick.

Freakin-wow! It works! ...and even better I didn't cook the TPS cuz I stayed away from using water.

Now, lets just see how much dust and sand is attracted to the oily film...
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Old Aug 23, 2003 | 09:24 AM
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Default Re: Engine cleaning... (redvette1986)

Good one, redvette1986.

I don't notice it attracting dust but I expect it depends where you drive and maybe also how much Armorall you put on.

It's good though, isn't it ? and so easy to re-apply.

Since I have been fixing things in my engine bay, the idea of spraying the hose in there seems more and more crazy. I've just replaced my heater blower and I see that water could enter the motor throught the cooling tube which runs from near the rear of the motor back to the plenum box.

I hear the L98 is fairly water proof (except for your TPS) but there's also the cruise control and many other places where a spray of water would best be avoided.

Thanks to the originator of this idea, whoever you are.

S'nut
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